Art (B.A.)

Explore your talents in the midst of critical dialogue, freedom, and discovery. Study in the context of a Christian community of scholars who, with curiosity and conviction, strive to live out grace and truth. The Art major focuses on thinking and doing in concert. With its studio and historical components, courses are designed to equip students with skills, habits, and knowledge to be discerning, faithful participants in the art world and today's visual culture. Since we see spiritual, intellectual, and creative maturity as a unified whole, we strive to model this synthesis in our own art-making, research, and teaching endeavours. We also expect our students to cultivate a desire for learning, and to bring a Christian sensibility to all aspects of art-making and viewing.

In 1937 Ruth Kerr founded a liberal arts college committed to the historic Christian faith. Wallace Emerson, the first president, envisioned an institution that rivalled the best colleges nationwide, and he set the standard for academic rigour and excellence that still applies.

By 1945, Westmont outgrew its facilities in Los Angeles and moved to the former Dwight Murphy estate in Santa Barbara with its 125 acres and Mediterranean house. Acquiring another property and the former Deane School for Boys completed the campus that features the pathways, stone bridges, and gardens of the former estate.

Achieving accreditation in 1958, Westmont began building its campus in the 1960s, adding nine major buildings. In 1976, the college received approval for the enrollment of 1,200 students. In 2007, the county authorized an updated campus master plan, and Westmont began the first phase of construction in 2008.